The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has directed Alexander Ibezim, the Bishop of Awka and Metropolitan Archbishop on the Niger in Anambra State, to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave amid investigations into allegations against him, including the alleged unauthorised sale of church land valued at ₦2 billion. The decision was announced by the church’s Primate, Henry Ndukuba, in a letter dated 13 October 2026.
In the letter, Ndukuba directed Ibezim to stop officiating church activities in the Province of the Niger and the Anglican Diocese of Awka throughout the period of his leave. He said the decision followed developments in the diocese and concerns about the integrity and reputation of the church. The Primate also referred to administrative panels established to examine the archbishop’s activities, including a visitation team whose reports had been submitted and considered.
Ndukuba said the compulsory leave was intended to allow a fair and thorough investigation and create an opportunity for peace and reconciliation within the diocese. He clarified that the measure was administrative and did not constitute a disciplinary sanction. The decision was taken under Section 29(1), Chapter 5 of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which outlines the Primate’s supervisory authority.
The Primate appointed Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, as supervising bishop of the Diocese of Awka and coordinating bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence. Ezeofor is expected to assume the relevant episcopal responsibilities and oversight, while Ibezim was directed to hand over to him. The church’s chancellor and registrar, provincial council and diocesan board were also informed of the arrangement.
Although the Primate’s letter did not specify the allegations or disclose the visitation team’s findings, PREMIUM TIMES reported that one allegation concerned the alleged sale of church land for ₦2 billion without authorisation. Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St Faith Cathedral in Awka, reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the matter in July 2025. An Anambra State High Court subsequently stopped a planned arrest of the archbishop. The allegations remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.
